The Art of Debate: A Middle School Guide, Grades 7-8
Turn ideas into arguments and confidence into action. From building strong arguments to participating in real debates, this high-energy class helps students develop powerful communication skills they’ll use for life.
8 class sessions, 1.5 hours per class (12 hours of instruction)
March 30 - May 18
Mondays
4:30 - 6:00 p.m. PST
Course Description:
In this engaging course, students will learn how to speak confidently, think critically, and build persuasive arguments through the art of debate. This beginner-friendly course will introduce structured debate in a supportive and interactive environment. In this course, students will develop the skill of public speaking and learn how to respectfully disagree and think critically. Sessions will include interactive games, breakout room discussions, mini debates, and guided practice. Students gradually build their skills and confidence, with many opportunities to practice the art of argumentation throughout. Lessons will lead up to a final live debate showcase during the last class.
Course Objectives:
By the end of this course, students will:
Instructor Biography:
Hanan Mahmoud brings over 13 years of teaching experience to the classroom, with a special passion for working with middle schoolers, the age group she calls her “sweet spot” for creativity, growth, and discovery. She holds a CELTA certification from Cambridge and a Master’s degree, blending her expertise in language instruction with advanced, research-based teaching practices.
As a UCI Writing Program Fellow, Hanan integrates a full spectrum of writing and communication strategies into her courses, creating learning experiences that are both academically rigorous and highly engaging. She is deeply committed to helping students find their voices, express themselves with confidence, and connect their learning to the world around them.
In addition to her classroom experience, Hanan is a former youth program instructor, giving her strong experience designing and leading enrichment programs that are interactive, supportive, and developmentally aligned. Her classes are collaborative, innovative, and filled with opportunities for students to grow as confident communicators, critical thinkers, and creative learners.
In this engaging course, students will learn how to speak confidently, think critically, and build persuasive arguments through the art of debate. This beginner-friendly course will introduce structured debate in a supportive and interactive environment. In this course, students will develop the skill of public speaking and learn how to respectfully disagree and think critically. Sessions will include interactive games, breakout room discussions, mini debates, and guided practice. Students gradually build their skills and confidence, with many opportunities to practice the art of argumentation throughout. Lessons will lead up to a final live debate showcase during the last class.
Course Objectives:
By the end of this course, students will:
- Build confidence in speaking and sharing their ideas clearly in front of others
- Learn how to form strong arguments using claims, reasons, and evidence
- Develop critical thinking skills by analyzing different perspectives
- Identify and avoid logical fallacies in everyday arguments and debates
- Practice respectful disagreement and active listening
- Strengthen public speaking skills through guided activities and live debates
- Learn structured debate formats and how formal debates work
- Gain real debate experience through practice rounds and a final live debate
Instructor Biography:
Hanan Mahmoud brings over 13 years of teaching experience to the classroom, with a special passion for working with middle schoolers, the age group she calls her “sweet spot” for creativity, growth, and discovery. She holds a CELTA certification from Cambridge and a Master’s degree, blending her expertise in language instruction with advanced, research-based teaching practices.
As a UCI Writing Program Fellow, Hanan integrates a full spectrum of writing and communication strategies into her courses, creating learning experiences that are both academically rigorous and highly engaging. She is deeply committed to helping students find their voices, express themselves with confidence, and connect their learning to the world around them.
In addition to her classroom experience, Hanan is a former youth program instructor, giving her strong experience designing and leading enrichment programs that are interactive, supportive, and developmentally aligned. Her classes are collaborative, innovative, and filled with opportunities for students to grow as confident communicators, critical thinkers, and creative learners.